At that thought, Tiana reached out and opened the cardboard box. When she saw what was inside, she staggered back in fright, lost her footing, and collapsed onto the ground.
Hearing the commotion, Leo Joyce rushed over. He helped Tiana up from the ground, his voice laced with concern. "Are you hurt? You need to be more careful."
"Amelia! It's Amelia! Leo, it's Amelia!" Tiana cried, pointing at the cardboard box.
At her words, Leo Joyce's expression instantly turned grim. He let go of Tiana's arm and strode to the box. With a trembling hand, he lifted it away.
Aiden Avery and the others heard the exchange and all ran over as well.
When he saw Amelia Avery buried there, her head hanging low with a dirty rag stuffed in her mouth, Cassian Jennings felt his vision go black. He could barely stay on his feet.
Tiana moved to Amelia's side and pulled the rag from her mouth.
Amelia Avery's eyes shot open. Her neck was red from the strain as she began to cough violently…
